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Padres' Craig Kimbrel bounces back for 31st save on Saturday

by Jason Lempert | Staff Writer

A night after blowing the save, Padres closer Craig Kimbrel got right back out there and nailed down his 31st save of the year on Saturday. Kimbrel needed 13 pitches to retire the side in order in the ninth, protecting a 5-3 victory over the Marlins.

Kimbrel allowed a game-tying home run in the ninth inning on Friday, but was able to rebound nicely a day later.

Padres closer Craig Kimbrel blew his second save of the year, as he allowed a game-tying home run to the Marlins' Derek Dietrich in the ninth inning on Friday. The Padres would wind up winning the game 8-3 in 11 innings.

Kimbrel, who was the subject of trade rumors over the last several days, had converted 21 straight save opportunities before Friday's hiccup.

Padres closer Craig Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 30th save of the season in Thursday's 8-7 win over the Mets. Kimbrel, who took the mound after a near three-hour rain delay, struck out a batter as he preserved the victory.

Kimbrel remains perfect in save chances this season, and his ERA has dwindled to 2.68--it was as high as 4.50 in early June.